Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are all well and had a super weekend? Mine was relatively dull – lots of adult jobs like
cleaning, catching up on work, food shopping and trying to sort the garage and shed were top of the
agenda this weekend. Wild. I did have a lovely evening on Friday as we celebrated Arthur’s 9th
birthday and I also had a quick catch up (with cake!) with my girlfriends on Saturday afternoon. These
are my lifelong friends that I went to school with. It was good to see them as we haven’t seen each
other for about a month so there was a lot of talking to squeeze into the hour that we had.
I went to bed really early on Saturday night as I was so tired, last week took it out of me for some
reason. It was so early that it was still light outside! I managed to read a lovely article before I fell
asleep, dropping my phone on my face and promptly waking myself up again! I thought I would share
it with you this week as it is life advice collected from a group of elderly people. These people were
asked to reflect upon their lives and pick one piece of advice that they would offer their younger
selves. It really made me smile and there is some very sound advice in there that we should all reflect
on. I think it made me feel so happy as these are the kind of conversations that I used to have with my
grandma over a cup of tea and a scone or, sometimes at 11:00am in the morning, over a small adult
beverage! My grandma, or g’ma as we used to call her, was always like a second mum to me but this
was especially true after my mum died in 2010. Since then, my g’ma has also died, as you tend to do
when you reach 95, but I still really miss our chats and her pearls of wisdom. I miss her constant
championing of whatever I am doing. I miss her (sometimes brutal) honesty. I miss her sense of
humour and the way she always found a positive in any situation. This article made me think of her,
her advice and all of the happy memories that we shared. Aren’t grandma’s amazing!
So here is the advice taken from the article, all from people over the age of 80:
1. The most important person in your life is the person who agreed to share their life with you. Treat
them as such.
2. You might live a long life, or you might live a short one — who knows. But either way, trust me
when I say that you’re going to wish you took better care of yourself in your youth.
3. Stuff is just stuff. Don’t hold onto material objects, hold onto time and experiences instead.
4. People always say, “Make sure you get a job doing what you love!” But that isn’t always the best
advice. The right job is the job you love most days and can tolerate most days. Almost nobody has a
job they love every, single day. Invest in a job that gives you purpose.
5. If you’re getting overwhelmed by life, just return to the immediate present moment and savour all
that is beautiful and comforting. Take a deep breath, relax.
6. Years go by in the blink of an eye. Live your life. Go places. Do things. If you have the means or
not. Pack a bag and go wherever you can afford to go. Travel. See the world. Look through travel
magazines and pick a spot. GO!
7. Don’t take life so seriously. Even if things seem dark and hopeless, try to laugh at how ridiculous
life can be.
8. A true friend will come running if you call them at 2am. Everyone else is just an acquaintance.
9. Children grow up way too fast. Make the most of the time you have with them. Every single day.
10. Nobody ever dies wishing they had worked more. Work hard, but don’t prioritize work over family,
friends, or even yourself.
11. Eat and exercise well – never take your health for granted.
12. Maybe this one isn’t as profound as the others, but I think it’s important… Floss regularly, dental
problems are awful.
13. Don’t take anyone else’s advice as gospel. You can ask for advice from someone you respect,
then take your situation into consideration and make your own decision. Essentially, take your own
advice is my advice…
14. The joints you damage today will get their revenge later. Even if you think they’ve recovered
completely. Look after your body, its precious.
15. We have one time on this earth. Don’t wake up and realize that you are 70 years old and haven’t
done the things you always dreamed about.
16. Appreciate the small things and to be present in the moment. What do I mean? Well, it seems
today like younger people are all about immediate gratification. Instead, why not appreciate every
small moment? We don’t get to stay on this crazy/wonderful planet forever and the greatest pleasure
can be found in the most mundane of activities. Instead of sending a text, pick up the phone and call
someone. Call your mother, have a conversation about nothing in particular. Those are the moments
to hold onto.
17. Pay your bills and stay of debt. If I could have paid myself all the money I’ve paid out in interest
over the years, I’d be retired already.
18. If you have a dream of being or doing something that seems impossible, try for it anyway. It will
only become more impossible as you age and become responsible for other people.
19. When you meet someone for the first time, stop and realize that you really know nothing about
them. Do not judge. Take time to get to know the person.
20. Say it while you still can. Don’t regret that you held something back when it’s too late to say it.
Quote of the week: “You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are
and change the ending.” – C S Lewis
Well-being tasks for this week: These tasks are based on Joyful June. Actions to help us look for
the good all around us.
Tuesday 11 June – Eat good food that makes you happy and really saviour it.
Wednesday 12 June – Write a gratitude letter to thank someone.
Thursday 13 June – Take a light-hearted approach. Make someone laugh.
Friday 14 June – Share a happy memory
Saturday 15 June – Look for something to be thankful for where you least expect it
Sunday 16 June – Speak to people you meet today in a warm and caring way
Monday 17 June – Take time to notice the things that you find beautiful
Jokes of the week:
Why did the pony get sent to his room? He wouldn’t stop horsing around.
What do you call a cow that eats your grass? A lawn moo-er.
Why do fish live in saltwater? Because pepper makes them sneeze!
What did the fisherman say to the magician? “Pick a cod, any cod.”
Why did the banana go to the hospital? He was peeling really bad!
Conversation starters:
If you could meet someone from the past, who would it be?
Has there ever been a question that you wanted to ask but didn’t?
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
1. I am looking forward to the weekend already!
2. I am looking forward to seeing my dad on his birthday.
3. I am looking forward to trying a new restaurant this weekend.
4. I am grateful for family members offering sensible advice.
5. I am grateful for Mr Bennett and his worktop sanding skills!
Sleeps til Santa: 196 sleeps. . .
Have a super week and have lots of fun but can I ask that whoever is singing in the shower each
morning to cause all of this rain, please can you stop? I have had enough now and would like some
sun before we break up!
With lots of love,
Mrs Bennett
